Prosthetic device utilizing electric vacuum pump

Abstract

An artificial limb using a vacuum attachment principle is provided with an electrically activated pump that may be readily incorporated into the artificial limb or into a separate portable device. Because the electrically activated pump does not require manual manipulation to create vacuum, it is substantially easier to use than a manual pump. Due to the small size and small battery required by the electrically activated pump disclosed here, it may be readily incorporated into a prosthesis.

1. A prosthetic limb, comprising
 a socket adapted to receive at least a portion of a patient's residual limb, 
 a vacuum port in said socket for evacuation of air therefrom, 
 a post having an internal cavity, said post having a length and extending from a distal end of said prosthetic socket to an opposite end to be coupled to a prosthetic component, 
 an electrically powered vacuum pump located within said internal cavity of said post, said vacuum pump having an air intake coupled to said vacuum port of said socket, and 
 an electrical power source connectable to said vacuum pump for powering said vacuum pump to evacuate said socket while a patient's residual limb is engaged therein. 
 
     
     
       2. The prosthetic limb of  claim 1  further comprising an electrical switch electrically interposed between said electrical power source and said vacuum pump. 
     
     
       3. The prosthetic limb of  claim 1  wherein said electrical power source is located within said internal cavity of said post. 
     
     
       4. The prosthetic limb of  claim 1  wherein said electrical power source is located externally to said post. 
     
     
       5. The prosthetic limb of  claim 2  wherein said electrical switch is incorporated into said post so as to be accessible from the exterior of said prosthetic limb. 
     
     
       6. The prosthetic limb of  claim 1  wherein said electrical power source is a battery compatible with the 9 volt standard size. 
     
     
       7. The prosthetic limb of  claim 1  wherein said electrical power source is a rechargeable battery. 
     
     
       8. The prosthetic limb of  claim 7  wherein said battery is compatible with the 9 volt standard size. 
     
     
       9. A prosthetic limb, comprising
 a socket adapted to receive at least a portion of a patient's residual limb, 
 a vacuum port in said socket for evacuation of air therefrom, 
 a post having an internal cavity, said post having a length and extending from a distal end of said prosthetic socket to an opposite end to be coupled to a prosthetic component, 
 an electrically powered vacuum pump located within said internal cavity of said post, said vacuum pump having an air intake coupled to said vacuum port of said socket by a vacuum line, 
 an electrical power source located within said internal cavity of said post and connectable to said vacuum pump, and 
 an electrical switch electrically interposed between said electrical power source and said vacuum pump for actuating said vacuum pump to evacuate said socket while a patient's residual limb is at least partially inserted therein. 
 
     
     
       10. The prosthetic limb of  claim 9  wherein said electrical switch is incorporated into said post so as to be accessible from the exterior of said prosthetic limb. 
     
     
       11. The prosthetic limb of  claim 9  wherein said electrical power source is a battery compatible with the 9 volt standard size. 
     
     
       12. The prosthetic limb of  claim 11  wherein said battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
       13. The prosthetic limb of  claim 9  further comprising a check valve installed in said vacuum line to prevent airflow into said socket. 
     
     
       14. A prosthetic limb, comprising
 a socket adapted to receive at least a portion of a patient's residual limb, 
 a post having an internal cavity, said post having a length and extending from a distal end of said prosthetic socket to an opposite end to be coupled to a prosthetic component, 
 a vacuum port in said socket for evacuation of air therefrom, said vacuum port extending from an interior of said socket into said internal cavity of said post, 
 an electrically powered vacuum pump located within said internal cavity of said post, said vacuum pump coupled to said vacuum port of said socket by a vacuum line that that travels through said internal cavity of said post, and 
 an electrical power source for powering said vacuum pump to withdraw air from said socket. 
 
     
     
       15. The prosthetic limb of  claim 14  wherein said electrical power source is located within said internal cavity of said post. 
     
     
       16. The prosthetic limb of  claim 14  wherein said electrical power source is located externally to said post. 
     
     
       17. The prosthetic limb of  claim 14  wherein said electrical power source is a battery.